Smoke alarms save lives in Overland Park every year. In your home they should be placed:
Ionization smoke alarms detect fast fires burning from combustible materials. Photoelectric alarms detect smoke from low, smoldering fires. Install both types for added protection.
Maintain your smoke alarms by testing them once a month and replacing the batteries twice a year. If your alarm is older than 10 years, it should be replaced.
Overland Park Fire Department provides smoke alarms for the deaf or hard-of-hearing. These devices use strobe lights and vibration notification to alert residents of a fire.
An effective escape plan can save lives during a fire.
Follow these steps from the National Fire Protection Association to create a plan:
Children playing with matches, lighters and fires cause deaths and injuries every year. Young children are most likely to start fires inside the home. The following safety tips will help your children understand the danger of playing with fire:
Before permitting your child to sleep over at a friend’s house, make sure they have an escape plan in case of a fire and run through the NFPA’s sleepover checklist in case of a fire while you’re not there.
Adults 65 years and older are more likely to die in a fire. Older people can reduce their risk of death and injury by following these steps from the National Fire Protection Association:
Cooking is the top cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking causes most fires in the kitchen. To avoid a kitchen fire:
If you have a kitchen fire:
Only use grills outdoors. Position them well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and branches. Periodically remove grease from the tray below the grill.
City code prohibits those living in apartments and condominium communities from using gas or charcoal grills within 10 feet of the building or any other combustible construction, unless that building has an automated sprinkler system.
Fryers present an additional danger, because they can tip over, easily overheat, and are prone to splattering. If you use a turkey fryer, follow these tips to be as safe as possible.
It is illegal to purchase, possess, or discharge any fireworks in Overland Park.
The following types of fireworks are prohibited:
City ordinance does not prohibit the use of snappers, snakes, toy pistols, or canes with caps.
Any person who violates the ordinance is subject to a fine of up to $500.
To report illegal firework use, call police dispatch when it occurs, at 913-895-6300.
Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every floor of your home and in a central location outside each sleeping area.
Test CO alarms once once a month.
If a CO alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors or move outside. Make sure everyone in your home is accounted for, call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
Careless disposal of cigarettes is a leading cause of fires and violates city ordinance.
If you smoke:
Never smoke in a home with oxygen tanks.
Don’t smoke if you’re sleepy or under the influence of medicine or drugs. You must be alert to prevent cigarette fires.
Littering cigarette butts is harmful to the environment and causes wildfires.
It is a violation of city code to litter, including cigarette butts. Do not throw or drop litter onto any highway, road or street.
Drivers may be cited for any litter left behind from a vehicle unless another person in the vehicle admits or is identified as having committed the act.
The Overland Park Fire Department provides the File of Life document free of charge.
Download and print this document to ensure emergency medical services who arrive at your home have your medical information on hand. Place the completed form on your refrigerator or in a common space in your home so it’s easily accessible.